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NitroXAdministrator
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Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory
      #17811 - 11/08/04 02:01 AM

IF THIS THREAD LOADS SLOWLY DUE TO LOTS OF PHOTOS PLEASE VIEW IT THREADED

Click here view threaded or use the button above right


OK see below the beginning of a series of posts on the hunt at Gan Gan in the Northern Territory for the Water Buffalo of the Top End.

More to come.





--------------------
John aka NitroX

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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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Bakes
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #17830 - 11/08/04 08:16 AM

He's a good looking Buff mate!

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EzineAdministrator
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Water buff hunt at Gan Gan, NT - the location [Re: NitroX]
      #17872 - 12/08/04 02:40 AM

Installment One - Water Buffalo Hunt at Gan Gan, NT - 2004

The Location



Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is one of Australia’s oldest and most remote areas comprising of 17.5 per cent of Australia’s land mass yet home to only one per cent of its population.



Arnhemland

Arnhemland, the Eastern half of the "Top End" of the Northern Territory is an area of approximtey 97,000 square kilometres is an area owned by its approx 16,000 Aboriginal inhabitants. Largely undeveloped it is home to the oldest living culture on Earth

The Yolngu People still living largely a traditional life with some modern conveniences, first had contact with the outside world through Macassan traders from Sulawesi in modern Indonesia, travelling to the waters to collect trepang.

Early Dutch explorers such as van Colster in 1623 sailed the coasts of the Gulf of Carpentaria and his ship, the "Arnhem" provides the name for Arnhemland.

The Arnhemland Aboriginal Reserve was proclaimed in 1931 and the current reserve is basically the same area with some additions.

Access into Arnhemland is mostly by permit. Hunters hunting with outfitters holding concessions in the region do not need to apply for a separate permit.

"Gan Gan"

Gan Gan is a small township of about a dozen buildings 3 1/2 hours drive South of Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. Flights from Darwin to Cairns and vice versa stop off at Nhulunbuy in the mornings and evenings respectively. A 4WD road also provides access from Katherine across to Gove.

The camp is located near a billabong in the forested bush a few kilometres 'as the crow flies' from the township and airstrip. Normally hunters charter a plane to arrive in comfort to Gan Gan.


Eastern Arnhemland - the wet lands of Gan Gan are located East of the Bath Range
and inland from the central peninsula of Blue Mud Bay, half way down the coast
on the map


Importantly from the visiting Water Buffalo hunters point of view the Gan Gan areat contains several significant flood plains, rivers and creeks, swamps and billabongs, all contributing to an excellent water buffalo population. About 25 to 30 trophy buffalo are harvested each year from the concession with good numbers of bulls able to be sighted each day in the upper 90's and plus 100 SCI point range. Indeed most hunters are able to take a very good representative bull within the first couple of days of a five day hunt.

The buffalo can vary from wary, nervous and ready to flee at the sight of humans, especially the herds of cows. As the area hunted is only a small part of the total concession bulls wandering into the hunted areas can appear never to have seen a human before! Many approach the hunter on front to try to determine what you are, perhaps not always ideal with such a large animal.

Other animals likely to be seen, or unseen(!) include saltwater crocodiles, wallabies, dingoes and occasional wild boar. Pigs are slowly colonising the region and are less plentiful than in the cattle station country inland.

The coast is nearby and provides beautiful white sandy beaches, azure seas and cooling breezes. Plus plenty of fish in the waters of the seas and rivers for those so inclined.







Copyright 2004 - all rights reserved

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ALAN_MCKENZIE
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Re: Water buff hunt at Gan Gan, NT - the location [Re: Ezine]
      #17897 - 12/08/04 12:38 PM

You forgot the bloody cane toads!!!!!

Dont forget your cane toad putter when next visiting the Territory.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Al

--------------------
"Dogs always bark at their master"
Sir Seretse Khama.25th June 1949


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AspenHill
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #17917 - 13/08/04 01:03 AM

Neato, but is that your buff?

--------------------
~Ann

Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.

Aspen Hill Adventures


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: AspenHill]
      #17964 - 14/08/04 04:02 AM

Ann, not so fast, but some more photos to ease the waiting.










--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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cchunter
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #17988 - 15/08/04 08:16 AM

John

That's some great buffs and some great photos. How long will we have to wait. What did you shot them with (pentax?? or ??)

--------------------


Christer Hansson


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475Guy
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #18009 - 16/08/04 07:58 AM

Nitro

This foreplay is a bit much. You are prolonging the agony. Com'on dude, just give us the pics.

--------------------
Lo do they call to me,
They bid me take my place among
them in the Halls of Valhalla,
Where the brave may live forever.


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: 475Guy]
      #18013 - 16/08/04 10:02 AM

Another pic to keep you going just a bit longer.

Worked on most of the photos on the weekend and reduced them for the web. Nuh its not the old Pentax, its a nice new little Canon EOS 300D with 300mm ultra-sonic image stabilized lens. Photos are at the full 6.3 megapixel level.

This photo (again) is a cropped photo from about 150 metres plus or minus. With a 50% image quality reduction. At full quality very clear and sharp.




Here is the bull a little closer.



Hope to get most of the story down tonight .



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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AspenHill
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #18021 - 16/08/04 11:56 AM

Very nice, John! Can't wait to read the details. Looks like you wrangled him in the swamp there.

What are the bloody egrets looking for?

--------------------
~Ann

Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.

Aspen Hill Adventures


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ORION
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: AspenHill]
      #18029 - 16/08/04 06:48 PM

Servus John

A BIG Waidmannsheil

ORION


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: ORION]
      #18035 - 16/08/04 09:17 PM

Orion

Mate there was a bull there just for you!

Waidmannsdank.

I didn't have your two shot cups with but have had one in celebration since. (we did celebrate both buffs afterwards with a Laphroaig and a Cuban.)



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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475Guy
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #18040 - 16/08/04 09:55 PM

Dude

Can you have posed a meaner look with the dead critter? Looks like the DB has some short barrels or izzat an optical delusion?



--------------------
Lo do they call to me,
They bid me take my place among
them in the Halls of Valhalla,
Where the brave may live forever.


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Marty
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: 475Guy]
      #18043 - 16/08/04 10:39 PM

I was going to say the same thing.

"I just hate hunting Buff in the Top End......"

Nice Bull btw. Congrats.

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__________________________________


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: Marty]
      #18045 - 16/08/04 11:38 PM

475Guy and Marty

Sorry thats my standard trophy photo smile .

A guy in NZ once got a proper grin out of me, by saying "Think about pu$$y" at the key moment.

The barrels are 24 inch. I'm just a fat bastard.



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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cchunter
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #18063 - 17/08/04 06:37 AM

Great work John

Congratulations

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Christer Hansson


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475Guy
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: Marty]
      #18106 - 17/08/04 10:19 PM



--------------------
Lo do they call to me,
They bid me take my place among
them in the Halls of Valhalla,
Where the brave may live forever.


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #18356 - 23/08/04 07:19 PM

A couple more photographs. BTW I AM very happy with the buff. I was just morbibund as when you have shot your animal the hunt is over. Wore off by the next day. Plus just like primitive man, cameras and I do not go well together unless I am behind one.







--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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dstoj
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #18359 - 23/08/04 07:42 PM

Welldone, that's a fine bull. geez his got a big scull. was there much pork getting about?

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Marrakai
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #18361 - 23/08/04 08:18 PM

A fine bull indeed, John, and a fitting adversary for the 'Indian Gentleman'.

Congrats, mate.

BTW, I'm surprised your guide didn't offer to lie on his back and hold the head up for the photo! Good guides are hard to find these days!

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au


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470Nitro
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #18371 - 24/08/04 12:32 AM

Nice one mate. Keep one like this for me

--------------------
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down by the river on a friday night
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talkin' 'bout guns and dreamin 'bout women
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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: 470Nitro]
      #18380 - 24/08/04 02:03 AM

More pics



Hey Matt, when I stage a photo, you need to get into the photo!




Quiet, he's sleeping



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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EzineAdministrator
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"Water buffalo at Gan Gan" - the buffalo [Re: Ezine]
      #18406 - 24/08/04 06:30 PM

Reserved

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"Water buffalo at Gan Gan" - The Story Part 1 [Re: Ezine]
      #18407 - 24/08/04 06:30 PM

"Water Buffalo at Gan Gan"


A bull we passed up in the wetlands

The bull stared at us, turned and ran, fleeing through the forest. Hooking a sapling with its horn, it crashing through it and in doing so, swung around back towards us and was now coming our way.

How to stop a water buffalo at close range? Would he drop with a shot to the chest at close range? Would a fast second barrel be required, doing what a big bore double is designed for? I prefered not to find out, prefering a broadside shot with big bony shoulders to break if possible.

Carrying my W.J. Jeffrey double rifle in the big 3 and half inch .450 No. 2 Nitro Express it propells a 480 grain Woodleigh projectile pushed by more than a hundred grains of powder at speeds in excess of 2,100 fps. Matt was carrying a .458 Winchester Magnum with similar ballistics.

The bull, an old "sweeper" with broomed tips slowed and stopped. Again he moved towards us, taking several steps, paused, looked, and came again steadily. This was getting serious, he was getting close enough we may have to shoot him whether or not we wanted him.

We waited wanting him to clear some swampy ground. If he was shot there and not dropped he could run into country which might prove difficult.

Looking good to me, the first bull out of three or four excellent bulls we had seen that morning, the first morning of five days of hunting. Tis bull as the Aussie equivalent of an "old duga-boy", the name derived from Afrikaans for "mud-boy" given to those fiesty old cape buffalo, exiled from the herds that live in bachelor herds and can be exceedingly dangerous. The old fellow was not eligible bachelor, he was scarred from fighting, his horns marked and the tips worn. A good trophy on any wall but was he good enough to take on the first morning in a prime area or should I wait? Would we have a choice?

I asked Matt, "How big do you think he is?"

Matt replied "At least upper nineties and a nice sweeper."

I raised my .450 and watched him through the sights. Picturing the shot required. He had stopped and was staring at us. So far we had seen the crescent shaped bulls for which this area is known, this was an exception. And I liked his look.

Lowering the rifle again I asked "Is he a 'shooter'?" to which Matt replied "We may have to." He continued to approach us taking several steps at a time.

"We need to decide whether he is a 'shooter', either leave or not, or shoot or not if he is a good one", I said as the bull kept approaching taking more steps, now suddenly coming forward faster.

I had my double raised and was watching him over the barrels. What a beautiful sight. But intimidating too at this range. We took several steps back, which caused the bull to stop. He was now less than 20 metres away. We both had our rifles ready now.

Making a decision to leave this bull and keep looking we backed out and keeping an eye on the stationary bull walked back to the vehicle. He was good but probably not over a 100 and we had plenty of time and might see him again. It was an exciting and fun episode. Exactly what buffalo hunting is supposed to be.


*****

I was hunting on the East coast of Arnhemland on the "Gan Gan" flood plains, the home of outfitter Hunt Australia and its owner Bob Penfold. Reputed to be one of the best water buffalo area available I had jumped at the chance when outfitter Matt Graham had organised a week's hunting at Gan Gan for his clients.

Gan Gan is the home of the Yonglu people, the traditional owners who lease concessions in the area to outfitters hunting the massive bovines, water buffalo. The area is ideal for buffalo. Large wetlands with lush feed with interspersed bush, the buffalo move from sandy higher ground in the mornings to feed out into the wetlands during the day, or among the shady paperbark creeks.

Having wanted to hunt the Northern Territories water buffalo since the early eighties, I thought I never would have the chance. I had been in the area, only a few hundred kilometres South then but had not found a god buffalo. Then the government concerned about TB in the wild game had initiated an extermination campaign a decade earlier, supposedly to wipe buffalo out. But the funds ran out, Aboriginal owners of traditional land wanted the buffalo to stay put for their trophy fee earning ability, and test shoots of buffalo in these areas proved these buffalo disease free. Buffalo hunting inn Australia would continue and not behind high-wire. And now I would finally get a chance.


*****


Getting to the area requires one to cross a continent, fly from the vibrant tropical city of Darwin to Nhulubuy, a town on the Gove Peninsula on the North Eastern tip of Arnhemland and the Northern Territory. A three and a half drive Southwards is usually done by charter aircraft, but Bob Penfold was there to pick me up. Matt Graham, my outfitter was finishing a week's pig hunt near Katherine where big boars roam, and the clients were returning home happy. Steve shared this pig hunt and was going to be hunting with us on this two-by-one hunt (2x1 hunts refer to two clients for one guide or professional hunter).

Bob was eager to see a article on Gan Gan and buffalo hunting in "The Bulletin" magazine. Craig Boddington, the famous much read American gunwriter had hunted at Gan Gan with his daughter not long before and the Bulletin had written a story on the Boddington's hunt, a couple of Penfold's clients, and on Bob Penfold himself.

After several errands we were off on the bitumen road that quickly became dirt. Chatting on the trip, Penfold surprised me saying the TV current affairs show "A Current Affair" may be up here to film your hunt."

"Bloody hell!" I thought. Talk about pressure, a television team filming your every move and hopefully not screw-ups!

The drive was enjoyable, the wooded countryside passing by, the same but ever changing. Just like the ancient land it is.

Finally turning off the maintrack which leads to the township of Gan Gan, the kilometres of bush opened up to a nice camp set alongside a billabong. Several tents, a meshed roof dining area, an annex forming a kitchen between two storage sheds, an open air shower with a wood fired "donkey", an amenity shed and trophy preparation area made up the comfortable camp. It might just do for five days. Much better than a swag dropped beside a campfire among the bugs.


*****

Meeting up with Matt and Steve when they arrived that evening, we chatted in person for the first time having talked previously on the phone and internet hunting forums. A delicious dinner over we agreed a start at 5:30 tommorrow morning was in order. Steve had told me I should take the first buffalo when I queried how we should handle taking turns. I offered to swap each day, or morning / afternoon, but he genurously insisted I go first. I said we can always change the setup later if he wished but honestly most clients at Gan Gan take a close to, if not exceeding 100 inch buffalo in the first two days. The two of us had five days so no problem and also no need to rush. Both of us wanted a 100 inch bull if possible. Why not! Putting some pressure on the guide is what they get paid for!

Breakfast the next morning, heavy fogs in the chilly morning cut the visibility right down. Not what I expected in the tropical Territory, more like hunting sambar deer in the Victorian Alps. Some first morning errands such as fueling up the hunting car, a 4WD Toyota utility with a shooting seat on back, we were off driving around the billabong down through some shallow sections of a couple of creeks. As the week went these crossngs became harder and harder to get through until the winch was inevitably required. Sometime later Matt says to me, camp is 800 metres that way, pointing to the river, we had been making a large loop to get around the deep water near the camp. A 4WD is left on the far side of the billabong cutting out a 40 minute drive with a 5 minute boat ride during wetter months.

Getting close to areas where buffalo are often sighted we stopped for some photos and decided to wait for a half-hour to see if the mists would lift. We had probably been driving past buffalo hidden from us by the fog even if they were only fifty metres away. Even after a wait the fogs hadn't changed much but away we went again.




Hey, is this the Victorian Alps, or the Tropical North?


As we proceed Eastwards towards the coastal lowland swamps Steve eagled eyed on the back banged on the roof of the cab. Not gorillas in the mist, buffalo in the mist.

Getting out of the vehicle we approached the buffalo but had to stop. The fog obscured a good look at them. Seeing one or two, now three, then four and finally five buffalo, all bulls were sighted as they moved or twitched their eyes or moved their heads. Maybe less than eighty metres away, one was definitely a trophy bull in the upper nineties but a proper look was needed. They were aware of us, cautious but not alarmed, probably wondering what we were. One of the buffalo turned and began to move off. Others crossed in front of us and moved off into the bush and out of sight into the fog. But one small bull remained watching us. He was on the far left and might not even be aware his boys had left. Worse he was a damned nuisance and in our way. Thirty minutes later he moved off and we followed hoping to find the main herd in the bush and swamp behind. Several hundred metres in and the fog now gone at about 11AM no buffalo were in sight anywhere. Back to the vehicle and continue the drive.


The fog has lifted but this bull stands guard until it is too late to follow the other boys.


Along a straight track, some higher ground to the right, another bull. A nice animal in the mid-nineties so we drive on. He will keep until the last day, we find him near that spot almost every time we pass that way.

Other buffalo are seen and finally close to a track a beautiful big beast is seen. He has lovely horns very crescent shaped, a fine animal. He is unconcerned, may have never seen a human before in his life. His horns could be thicker but tempting. We do not leave the vehicle and drive off leaving him in peace.


Buffalo move through the bush


We had been making for a point on the open wetlands but the long waits for the fog to lift lost time so we turned around to return to camp for lunch. More buffalo were sighted and then the old sweeper was sighted. Matt and I get off to have a serious look at him while Steve stayed put. Sometimes two is better than three when trying not to spook wild prey.

Having had the close encounter of the buffalo kind we returned to the Toyo. The buffalo was not charging. He was curious and nervous as to what we were and what our intentions were. But at close quarters if they decide they're having a bad day and you're in their way, you never know. One day or moment they might be unconcerned, the next day, a grouchy old "man". As Matt said, "sometimes they want to go somewhere, and if you are in their way, they just aim to move you out of their way."

Lunch at the camp by the billabong, beef sandwiches washed down by a cold beer or soft drinks. Penfold has told "A Current Affair" to forget about it. They now wanted to come the next week when he didn't have a client. While press is good, if you are dealing with an anti-gun, anti-hunting host sometimes it is better not to give them a story. Later he gets a call from "60 minutes". "60 minutes" will be doing a story next year to which he agrees to. Positive stories on hunting and firearms in the printed and TV press is a good thing. Countering the negative image the spinmakers have tried to paint legitimate hunters and shooters with.

After lunch taking an opportunity for a brief siesta we are off again in the same direction. As often happens in hunting decisions are made in hindsight. The old sweeper has prayed upon my dreams, seeing him in the shallow V of "Zabardast's" rear sight. He DID look good and as Matt said, "Take him if you think he would look good on your wall?" A definite yes. If we spotted him near the swampy creek again we would hunt him.


*****


Again more bulls were sighted and an occasional cow. Matt said we would have no trouble finding cows later where we were headed.

Steve now in the cab, as we had traded places for the afternoon's hunt.

A bull in the distance was sighted. Just like with stags, when you see a good one you know it. His horns were wide and past his body width even from this distance. Time to plan a stalk. A swampy creek to the left with brushy cover and to the right, some thicker bush. We retreated to the cover on the left and approached this wary bull now out of sight. Passing through the cover - where was the bull? He had shifted and even though we searched and entered the thicker bush he was gone. He was big and he was smart and had eluded us. But that is hunting for you. Sometimes you win and sometimes you loose.

This afternoon Matt planned to drive a track he hadn't hunted before. The map showed spurs of interconnected wetlands near the track and water buffalo are not known as 'water' buffalo for nothing.

We find that between us and the water are paperbark swamps. They shield us from the open water or perhaps cover the wetlands here. A pig is seen running off fleeing into the paperbark. Pigs are definitely present here, not in numbers but occaisional black targets of opportunity. Not yet though, we have two buffalo to take first.

Cows and calfs are sighted. One cow in particular is huge with wide horns. Body size is impressive too. But the cows are much warier than the bulls moving quickly off into the bush. Other herds have been just a splashing off into the paperbarks.

Further along we cross a waterway of several metres, shifting down to low range 4WD to cross.

The ground ascending slightly we now drive along a sandy 'bank' which is a metre or two higher than the surrounding countryside. The sandy clearings are covered with buffalo tracks and as Matt predicted we find cow herds. With the evening fast approaching, the cow herds with calfs in tow and some bulls, spend the night on these raised dry sandy banks. Unlike earlier when the cows were wary and fled easily, now they are reluctant to leave their comfortable beds.

Why this behaviour? Perhaps just for the comfortable dry sandy beds, but I speculate the raised more open banks provide a sleeping place for cow herds with young to watch for the approach of predators. No longer required in Australia but in their homelands tigers prowl.


Cows and calfs are reluctant to leave the sandy bank as dusk approaches



The track descending down into wetlands again, its time to turn around and head back to camp.



End of Day 1


Copyright 2004 - all rights reserved




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Ezine.NitroExpress.com

Edited by NitroX (16/12/04 03:14 AM)


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EzineAdministrator
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"Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: Ezine]
      #18408 - 24/08/04 06:31 PM

"Buffalo Hunt at Gan Gan" - Day 2


"Zaberdast" the "Indian Gentleman" WJ Jeffrey .450 No. 2 NE with its prey.



Waking up in Arnhemland - one of the remotest places on Earth. There is something about being in a remote area. We all should do it more often.

Today we would drive the same direction as the previous morning but try to get to the open wetlands. The fog was lying on the land again but a bit less thickly than the previous day so hope was there that it would lift earlier.


A light blanket of fog lies on the forest as the sun burns it off

Down the road through the creek in 4WD and through the savannah bush.

The fog lifted as we drove and bulls are seen to the side. Glassing them it was determined they were OK but a little smaller than hoped for so off again. This was repeated several times. New bulls sighted, not seen the previous day, some seen again and rejected again, the bulls wander through the bush feeding. Sometimes near the road other times in the hinterland as a reservoir for future hunters.

No turns aside this day we approach the open expanse of grassy wetlands mid-moring through a shallow curtain of forest. Alighting from the ‘cruiser taking day packs, rifles, water and ammo we make our way along a sandy ridge. Moving down closer to the water some buffalo can be seen on the far shore. Looking along the spit of land black shapes in the distance. A couple of large buffalo.

Walking quietly through the trees we make our way towards them but Matt suddenly stops us and glasses towards the wetlands. A strip of paperbarks forms a line of trees in the swamp before the main expanse of grass but what is in front of us catches our attention. A good sized buffalo!

When he turns and looks away we make our way through the bush down to the edge of the “shore”. He is obviously a buffalo to consider and his horns as he looks away from us protrude well out from his body and reach back into nice crescents. I decide "yes, he is one I want to try for."

The bull lies down in the mud wallowing with his legs up into the air before settling down seemingly to go to sleep.


The bull resting after a wallow. We ponder our approach

From where we are there is nothing but open ground. First dry hard baked mud worked up by buffalo hooves. Then some grassy tuffs and the mud becomes wetter. Then shallow water. The bull is perhaps 150 metres from us with the paperbarks another 50 metres on then deeper water. Could we approach him as he lies facing away from us. Maybe, but if we are sighted there is absolutely no cover. In addition a good hundred metres would be through noisy water and mud.

Another buffalo bull also good is noticed to our right. Steve is interested in him and we wonder whether a one-two could be effected. “Not without loosing both capes” says Matt referring to the hot sun and warm weather. Would have been a great photo opportunity though, but probably a little hard to get them to fall down side by side (I love those photos!).


The first bull moves to chase the challenger

The other bull approaches towards the “sleeping” bull and up he gets. We may have a fight on our hands. Moving quickly towards the other the challenging bull turns and flees into the strip of paperbarks. We too shadow the bulls in the trees trying to keep sight of them. Thrashing splashing water can be heard as the big bull pushes through chest deep water pursueing the smaller bull. They move some 400 metres around a promontory of out-thrust trees.

Catching up to them they have added a good hundred metres on their distance to us though they are still in the strip of paperbarks which is now further away. The smaller bull has managed to maintain the distance from the other and they now are at a stand-off. They settle down in the cool wet deep mud to escape the hot midday sun. We too retreat to the shade and discuss a plan of attack. Only two options, look for another bull or wait them out and see what happens. We decide to wait them out so Matt fetches the vehicle and brings it to the top of the rise where we can keep watch.


The two bulls face off, one on the far left, the other on the far right

Beef sandwiches and cool softdrinks in the shade we keep an eye on the buffalo. The smaller buffalo saw the vehicle as it approached but is not alarmed. The other has his head down. We too take a siesta with occasionally one of us getting up to see if the buffalo have moved. All of us catch a couple hours sleep or read novels. My current one is Frederick Forsythe's latest novel of short stories. Great for any safari.

Where are the buffalo?

Still out there. While the herons provide an early warning signal against danger they also give away the buffalos position. The small one to the right is so deep in the water than his curved horns appear to be floating on the surface of the water. The other is also sunk well into the mud with just his head visible among the paperbarks.

Something is happening. This is what we feared. The smaller buffalo after a jolly good sleep rises and thrusts his way out into the reeds into deeper water and out of reach. Across in the distance numerous buffalo can be seen feeding. But we can't go that way, for that direction 'salties' (saltwater crocodiles) lurk.

The other buffalo stays put for a while and then amazingly begins to retreat back the way he came, intent of feeding on the succulent shoots growing among the paperbark strip. Having chased off and out-waited his contender he is intent on returning to his territory.


The target bull feeds zig-zagging through the paperbarks in the swamp


We ready for action and having lost sight of him return to our previous position. He doesn’t move out away from us but is still paralleling the land. Now we have a chance!

Quickly moving along the land we reach a spot where some trees grow out into the muddy clearing. Making as much use of the cover as we can we move when the bull faces away from us eventually having to make a quick run across open space as the bull feeds away from our direction. Through the water and mud into the knee deep swamp another 50 metres to the trees. Now the paperbark strip now shields us from his view and we can cautiously make our way through the thin trees, pulling one leg out of the sucking mud and carefully stepping forward trying to make as little noise as possible. When one hits a buffalo track it is important to keep ones balance and not fall due to the increased depth.

We make our way maybe 100 metres until we are opposite to Steve who is standing dressed in camo by a tree. The bull has zig-zagged his way though the paperbarks cutting down the distance between us. We can now see the bull some sixty metres in front of us but getting a shot would be difficult with the screen of trees. A gap in the trees needs to be crossed and as the bull feeds out towards open swamp we do this, the opening being deeper from numerous buffalo passing that way. Again another gap freezing when the bull is facing towards us is also crossed.

The bull is definitely making it easier for us. He is a glutton and intent on filling a hollow stomach not taking much time to glance around. With his head down and his horns towards us he also gives us some cover. Obviously the reason for the buffalo stand-off is some very choice tucker in these paperbarks.

Earlier we had discussed shooting a buffalo. Penfold stressed to try to break the buffalos shoulders and to give the buffalo a quick one-two with the double. Not to shoot and wait and see and then fire again but instead give a quick double tap. Matt agreed and also advised strongly to try to shoot the buffalo when he was facing towards land and not out into open wetland. Sage advice which I remembered at this point.

The buffalo had stopped and stared intently at the land. Incredibly he appeared to have spotted Steve even though Steve had never moved a muscle and it was hard enough for us to spot him in camo in the shadows. A slight gust of wind from the shore may have brought human scent to the old boy. He resumed feeding but stopped to look from time to time. I now thought this might actually aid us. The bull was suspicious of the far tree-line but was ignoring two hunters hidden and motionless only forty metres away. He fed away towards the open swamps.

Taking a stand in the open fork of a tree I rested the rifle in it and waited. Matt asked whether I had a clear shot and I whispered back I would wait for the buffalo to turn. He had been consistently zig-zagging through the strip of trees and I did not see why he would not turn again. He did and I waited for him to move from behind some trees into an opening only about 30 metres in front of us. The sound of his cropping the water-grasses and his movement in the water was clearly heard. If all went to plan he would be broadside to us at that point.

The bull stepped out from the trees (I get shivers as I write this) and out into the open. I have the Jeffrey raised resting the side of my left hand on the tree trunk and sight along the flat double barrels aligning the shallow V, the foresight and the shoulder of the buffalo. I adjust the site downwards to adjust for the rifle shooting high. The safety is off and I fire, pulling the front trigger.

KABOOM,

the rifle drives me back a step and the barrels point to the sky. Maybe my footing was less sure than I thought. As the rifle recoils I see the buffalo drop as if brain shot. He drops like a lump of lead.

Lowering the muzzles I aim to take a second shot. Pull the rear trigger, nothing, not even a click. WTF! I open the action and hear it click, maybe somehow the left barrel wasn’t cocked? I aim again and fire. Nothing except a click. WTF! This time I say it. Opening the action I see the primer has been fired. Damnation a double discharge. Now I realise the reason for the step back on firing. Reloading both barrels with two more .450 No 2 rounds I aim and fire. During this time the bull has not lain silent. After the initial shock he has recovered and tried to rise thrashing around getting his shoulders out of the mud. Again KABOOM, this time I know it, two rounds again have gone off. But another dose of 960 grains (2 x 480 grs) of Woodleigh Weldcore softpoints at 2150 fps have a similar effect. Again he goes down heavily into the muddy water.

Matt suggests loading only one barrel this time to which I readily agree. The bull is still not dead but is quiet for a while. He begins to visibly recover. It is evident his shoulders are both broken so I attempt to shoot down into his spine over his thrashing head. I make a bad shot and hit him to the right of the crest of his backbone. I borrow Matt’s .458 and shoot him in the head just above his eyeline using the scope. He is stil but then again shows evidence of life. By now I had moved to the right of the bull and could see Steve making his way to us directly in line behind the bull.


The bull is down.



Posing with the bull in the mud after an exciting hunt.

I had given Matt back his rifle so I suggested he put another in and the bullet goes in between the eyes. The bull really by now wasn’t going anywhere and he was not thrashing anywhere as much but why take a chance. The guys up here have had bulls which didn’t blink their eyes when checked get up after the trophy photos and when they were starting to skin! Later when the bull’s head was skun out, my shot which made a bigger hole was no longer visible. Only one bullet hole was in the buffs skull, the first shot having ricocheted off the hard bone! It wasn’t into the boss but evidently the skull was still thick enough with the angle above the eyes.

Now the real work begins. The bull is halfway in mud and water. We cover him with light branches to keep the hot sun off the headskin while getting ready and thankfully Steve has brought a water bottle. Matt begins to cut through his thick skin behind the shoulders and down as low as he can on both sides and Steve begins to flay off the skin on one side as I begin on the other. The idea is to take as much of the cape off the top and then do something about the bottom of the shoulders and neck. Trying to avoid Matt having to crawl under the buff and cape it out under the water (yes this might be required). The three of us putting shoulder to the buffalo and taking hold of each of its knees manage to roll it enough to get the left side of the shoulder out of the muddy bloody water. Surprisingly it isn’t as hard as one thought before trying. One side down, now the other side. Steve being a PhD has a brilliant idea, one of the two this afternoon (the other being to open the tailgate of the landcruiser and not throw the skin and skull up higher than we had too ;-) ). His first idea is to remove the shoulder of the buffalo and when we roll him back it should be much easier. This proves a very useful tip and soon the right side of the cape is off the neck and shoulder.


The shoulder is being removed to aid in rolling the buffalo over to cape the other side. Matt wields the knife as Steve holds up the leg.


Next choice. To cape out the skull or carry it out. A buffalo’s cape weighs some 40 kgs so Matt decides to cape out the skull. We are aided in removing the skull of the buffalo by its having no rear of skull left. It is completely smashed and the spine does not even need to be severed as the back of the skull collapses as we twist and turn it. a few cuts of the knife and the head is free. While Matt finishes the caping Steve and I carry out the rifles, cameras, and extra gear. Between us we then carry out the cape, while Matt getting the skull on his shoulders brings the skull out through the mud. A better man than me. Reaching the hard ground as I get to him I offer him a drink and then we carry the skull to the ‘cruiser. This is the time of Steve’s second great idea.

A shot of whiskey each of celebration courtesy of Steve and Laphroaig then back to camp where we have a great dinner, celebrating the successful hunt with a Montecristo No. 2 each courtesy of me. To the skinning shed for cleaning up of the headskin and an initial salting. A tape measure comes out and the circumference of the base of each horn is measured plus its length. 106 inches. Not too bad at all. I won’t be throwing this one back in. The second best head taken that season. Also I am told I am the first Aussie hunter to hunt at Gan Gan for over twenty years.

Tomorrow will be a slow start with boiling out of the skull and any further cleaning of the cape before Steve gets a chance to take his buffalo.

I am happy, more than happy but as often happens also a little sad about the ending of a great hunt and the wait until the next one.


A fine trophy from an exciting hunt.





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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #18430 - 25/08/04 01:10 PM

Nitro

Sorry I am only capable of one activity at a time!

That sleeping bull was pretty wierd. We certainly got to do some good stalking that week.

Cheers
Matt



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Edited by Matt_Graham (25/08/04 01:16 PM)


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"Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: Ezine]
      #18573 - 29/08/04 03:05 AM

story for day 2 added - photos soon - see earlier post

"Water buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2

Photos to day 2 now added.





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Edited by NitroX (30/08/04 01:15 AM)


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"Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: Matt_Graham]
      #18574 - 29/08/04 03:09 AM

Well we can see your finger at least!

Yes a great pair of hunts. When can we do another?!



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"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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Re: "Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: NitroX]
      #18578 - 29/08/04 04:01 AM

Note some paragraphs in the stories are a little elementary. I wrote these as a basis for a submission elsewhere and wanted to add some extra explanation not necessary for the GURUS of NE.com's membership



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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: Ezine]
      #18589 - 29/08/04 11:11 AM

Nitro

I was shaking a bit too when I was remembering being that close to the bull and the end of the hunt. Never get sick of that adrenaline rush eh! I was lucky too - I had two close encounter kills that week!

Matt Graham



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Edited by Matt_Graham (29/08/04 11:15 AM)


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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: Matt_Graham]
      #18627 - 30/08/04 01:18 AM

Day 2 photos added



"Water buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2



I must say I found the encounter with the live bull approaching us the most exciting. As he was aware of us and wondering what we were. That was a nice old bull too.

Stories for days 3 to 5 plus more photos to come.





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"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: NitroX]
      #18630 - 30/08/04 02:40 AM

John,

I'm continuesly kicking myself for not hunting buff when I was in Australia 16 years ago... Had I only known.
It sounds like you had a great experiance, and I hope you get many more in the future.

Erik D.


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Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - Day 3 [Re: NitroX]
      #18675 - 31/08/04 01:18 AM

*** View threaded ***


"Water Buffalo Hunt at Gan Gan" - Day 3



With my buffalo down, it was Steve's turn to find a buffalo.

But first it was necessary to deal with my trophy from the previous day. The skull and horns was placed in a drum of boiling water to remove the flesh from the skull and allow the horns to be separated from the bony core. Some more work on the cape and more salt applied.

Then pack into the Landcruiser some fuel, pumps and stuff and off to a new area to hunt for Steve's bull. At Gan Gan they try to not over-hunt each area, spreading the hunting activity so the buffalo do not become alarmed to vehicles and humans. With new animals wandering into the hunted areas this appears to work. The buffalo most jumpy are actually the cows and calfs - as usual.

The route this time ran past the airstrip where clients are usually picked-up from their flight from Nhulubuy, and then we drove on past the blackfella township of Gan Gan to the banks of a lovely inviting river. Looks like a great place to cool off on a hot day but crocs lurk in its quiet waters. But no doubt great fishing for those persons who set aside time for this activity.


Cool beautiful river

Part of the operation at Gan Gan is to navigate the waterways and wetlands. These cut the dry land in a number of places and in order to reduce unnecessary travelling time, hunting vehicles are pre-positioned on the far sides of rivers and billabongs with boats providing access to them. A great idea to cut out hours of unproductive driving.


Steve and John provide 'ballast' for the bow

"Captain Matt"

Into the boat and easily across to the other sides, two mighty "hunting cars" await. One is fuelled up, the gear loaded into it and away we go again. Steve sits in the cab so Matt and he can discuss any bulls seen. I don't mind. I am getting a free ride out in the sun, in a beautiful place almost untouched by man.


"Hunting cars"

Cows and calves are seen, and some immature bulls. Further along another herd, this one is aware of us and has at least an older bull among the cows. Now following it on foot Steve and Matt close in on it and the rest of the herd. Thick creepers and thorn bushes screen most of the buffalo from us less than fifty metres in front. A cow snorts and away the herd runs, the only sight of the bull is its rump as it also runs.

We continue driving along the low ridge passing the carcase of a buffalo shot by a previous client but out we get when a good bull is seen. I tag along behind sometimes at a distance so as to not disturb the animals with an extra person.

This bull is wandering along the edge of the river bank while we shadow him in the trees. We loose him in the thick scrub but I sight him further back from where we expected him to be and quickly signal the boys up front. No chance for a shot here, there are way too many tree trunks in between. The bull settles down into the mud for a rest and we leave him to return to camp before it is too dark.

Are there crocodiles in this river? Our torches pick up three different sets of eyes on the return "cruise".


'Pyro-man' ignites a parndarna which quickly bursts into spectacular flame




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Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - Day 4 [Re: NitroX]
      #18677 - 31/08/04 02:32 AM

*** View threaded ***


"Water Buffalo Hunt at Gan Gan" - Day 4

An early morning start we aim to again cross the river and travel the track of the afternoon before. But a herd of buffalo draw our attention. Obviously harder hunted on this side of the river they do not stay for long. But an interesting sight is spotted - a pack of dingoes. First one, then another until four are spotted. Unusual to see so many and then the black pig is seen. It is presumed the pig may have piglets in tow and our vehicle saved them from being eaten.

Today we are making for the great open wetlands that are accessible from this spit of dry land. They are magnificient and we alight from the vehicle to have some lunch and a drink while enjoying the view. Kilometres of green wetlands with thousands of duck, geese and other birds, their calls making a racket as they feed. Underneath no doubt fish and crocodiles glide.




The wetlands are filled with waterfowl - magpie geese,
ducks of various species and other water birds - their
calls make quite a racket


Buffalo too can be seen feeding way out across the wetlands. The number of buffalo here is unbelievable and there is no lack for the trophy hunter.

We walk along the tip of what is a peninsula of land with water on three sides, I am nice and comfortable having left the heavy double in the 'cruiser. Matt carries the trusty .458 while Steve carries a custom .375 Weatherby Mag built on a Ruger no. 1 Tropical.


The wetlands.

Three bulls can be seen several hundred metres away across the far waterway. One of which is very good but we head back down the shore to see what lies that way. Steve is very interested in that bull but it will be a hard hunt to get close to these bulls.


A buffalo flees

Moving through a patch of scrub a young bull is spooked and crashes off through the bush. Another bull which is definitely shootable feeding out in the waterway spots us and after a good look at use runs in the direction we are heading.


A bull in the wetlands with three more in the distance

Another bull just off the scrub's edge. He isn't bad and watches the other bull further out on the wetland facing away from us. Matt and Steve approach it for a close look and give it a once over. Steve can not resist a practice aim with the bull dropping to the ground it stretches out for a midday siesta. The boys sneek off to leave it in peace.



A bull sleeps unawares

Confering they decide to hunt the water buffalo in the water. Better them than me! I don't have to trudge through several hundred metres of knee deep watery mud. My buffalo is already in the salt! They set off across the strip of wetlands to the seemingly dry treeline. Not so, they are actually paperbarks and in deeper water, with a good three hundred more metres (at least) of paperbarks to tranverse but also cover their appoach.

I make my way cross country enjoying the quiet walk spooking the young buffalo again from his shady sleep under a tree. Back to the vehicle I find a perfect "safari" tree for a sandwhich, a ice cold soft drink, a book and a siesta.

BANG, then BANG.

The birds rise in a cacophony from the vast wetlands. I hurry to the water's edge. Using my 8x Swarovski's I can see two buffalo running as there is another gun shot or two. I can not see the hunters nor their target. I hope he is down and not one of the two buffalo fleeing out into the deep water.

Returning to finish my sandwhich I check out the route to the closest point of dryland to which Matt and Steve can reach and on returning to the vehicle am surprised by two buffalo thundering 50 metres past. The two surviving buffalo have made a great half circle in the wetlands and come right past me!

It is easy to drive the landcruiser to the closest point, the scrub inland being a little more open than the thick vegetation growing at the water's edge.

Now I suppose I will have to get my feet wet after all and I try to find the dryest route to the boys. Impossible task eventually I splash into the thick reeds and watergrasses carrying a water canteen and my camera. The going is a bit easier in the paperbarks as they are relatively free from vegetation in the water but the water is deeper. I wonder about crocodiles.

Three quarters way there I find Steve struggling along carrying rifle, camera, camelback and dragging the cape floating on the water. He was successful and dropped his bull well. Relieving him of everything except the camelback and cape we hang the gear in a tree for me to pick up on the way back. Matt too has a load and a half with the skull and horns plus rifle, knives and bag. Matt carries the skull back (better him than me) and I load up Steve's as well as Matt's gear and setoff by the most direct route across the open wetlands. Now why on earth did I bring the digital camera! A fall in the water and the brand new camera will be history. Deciding the muzzles will be the first to hit the water should I overbalance, as a rifle an be cleaned, nevertheless eventually broken up dried mud is reached and luckily the direct route actually means a lot less water. It is paradise to reach the vehicle and unload.




The carry out - Steve relieving Matt of the skull and horns for the final 50 metres

Steve meanwhile has reached the vehicle so I help him unload the cape and cover it with leafy branches to protect it from the sun. A man not to shirk he goes to help Matt with the skull and relieves him of it to finish carrying it to the vehicle. Matt's daypack is somewhere stashed prior to the hunt in the paperbarks so off he goes again to fetch.


An Aussie "Duga-boy" ie "mud-boy"

Wow these boys put in a lot of effort. The bull was just a half inch shy of a hundred inches but the effort and hunt would make it a first class trophy in anyone's collection.


Steve with his trophy on dry land


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Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - Day 5 [Re: NitroX]
      #18678 - 31/08/04 02:34 AM

*** View threaded ***

"Water Buffalo Hunt at Gan Gan" - Day 5

A day of rest. Sort of.

We had the task of shooting a calf for the blackfellas, the animals legs to be removed and distributed to the main four families, plus some choice cuts for the camp. Why eat a tough old bull when you can eat veal.

But that was for late afternoon. The sandy ridges should provide a calf fairly easily.

Some fishing at the coast was in order and the beautiful azure bay with white sands would make a fantastic camp but for the lack of drinking water.




Some 400 years ago the Dutch explorer Willem Jantszoon passed this way but was chased off by the aggressive aboriginals. He and others are the origin of many Dutch names in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

While Steve and Matt tested the local fish I tested out the new camera.



Finally the allure of a shady tree proved too strong for us all.


Yawn

Steve wanting to fireform some H&H shells into .375 Weatherbys gave us a test of offhand shooting at drink cans at 50 metres, which we started hitting consistently perhaps after one miss, and a buffalo dung, a target for the .450.


***

As expected the herds had moved into the ridges prior to evening and a calf was quickly spotted. Matt using the .375 made a fine headshot on a buff calf while the rest of the herd fled.



"Veal"!


Removing the legs for blackfella tucka


The hunt wasn't over though. While collecting branches to shade the meat, only a few metres from the butchered calf, a boar trotts past me. I was stunned as it walked a mere 5 metres passed me but Steve was quicker on my report and gave chase to dispatch it and take a photo of a pig as a trophy too.


Pigs at Gan Gan are targets of opportunity, but several were sighted over the week

The night ended with the meat being distributed to the traditional owners. What a great ending to a fine week of hunting. Maybe I would be back in the Top End again next year or perhaps much sooner .......



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Re: Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - Day 5 [Re: Ezine]
      #18719 - 31/08/04 04:12 PM



See the small dark green bush behind Steve's head (the guy with the sunglasses). That is where the pig walked through and these two blind fellows did not even see it!!!!

Steve still got a bullet in before me.



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"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - the camp [Re: NitroX]
      #18766 - 01/09/04 09:35 PM

Some photos of our camp.





Billabong in front of the camp. Yes "Salties" do lurk
there.







Tents for clients, guides, storage sheds, an open annex
kitchen plus a mosquito mesh dining area



Six European style trophies. The result of a family of
five's hunting for 2 1/2 days! All are high nineties to
one hundred plus.



No "blackamatics" here. Steve trying to wash out the very
persistent mud out of the previous days hunting clothes.




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Re: Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - Day 5 [Re: NitroX]
      #18767 - 01/09/04 09:45 PM

John,

The hunt report was absolutely wonderful. What an adventure!

You did not say if hunting with Matt was pretty good or not.

Matt, did John and Steve behave themselves?

--------------------
~Ann

Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.

Aspen Hill Adventures


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Re: Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - Day 5 [Re: AspenHill]
      #18770 - 01/09/04 10:02 PM

Ann

Matt Graham is a great guide. He would work out a way to get to the buffalo. Sometimes people wait them out and hunt them when they come to dry land. Sometimes it is quicker just to get into the mud! and have fun.

Matt is actually back at Gan Gan doing a last safari for the season for a client until mid-September.

Guess where I am heading on the 12th or 13th?

Back to the NT for three weeks for a holiday with my wife. The usual touristy stuff, Kakadu, Litchfield Nat Park, Katherine River Gorge etc but if I am lucky a few more days hunting, maybe pigs and waterfowl and if I am REALLY lucky I may look for another big MUD-BOY. At a different place this time.


In reply to:

did John and Steve behave themselves?




Always, of course.

I don't think the other two guys believed some of my stories.



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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AspenHill
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Re: Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - Day 5 [Re: NitroX]
      #18774 - 01/09/04 11:57 PM

When you speak to Matt next please see what he thinks about bow hunting a mud-boy.

--------------------
~Ann

Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.

Aspen Hill Adventures


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Re: Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - Day 5 [Re: AspenHill]
      #18826 - 03/09/04 09:49 AM

Nitro

What a great story. I envy the ability some of you have to put adventures to print. I think a European mount is 'good enough'. I bet Matt would agree if pressed.

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.


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Re: Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - Day 5 [Re: NitroX]
      #18874 - 03/09/04 09:50 PM

Nitro

Good story telling. After all, you've kept us all in suspense so long that you were obligated to give us the happy ending.



--------------------
Lo do they call to me,
They bid me take my place among
them in the Halls of Valhalla,
Where the brave may live forever.


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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #18941 - 05/09/04 01:18 AM

Shoot-out in the NT



Met up with 'Marrakai' while in Darwin and we managed to have a shot or three with some doubles at the range. First time I have been to a 'real' range for ten years!

The target is deliberately distant to hide the evidence of my shooting.

Had fun shooting "The Fat Lady" plus a couple others and dinner overlooking the Arafura Sea during sunset later (Marrakai - don't correct me, don't let facts get in the way of a story).



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #21152 - 23/11/04 04:56 AM

WOW - Great Story, great country, Thanks for sharing.

--------------------
Pass it on!


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8mm
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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: NitroX]
      #21878 - 07/12/04 03:34 PM

John,

Finally remebered to sign up and read your story. Great story, hope to get up there for a buff hunt some time in the near future.

Cheers,

JD


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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: Ezine]
      #337976 - 16/02/20 03:09 AM

Tags: 2004 , Water Buffalo , Gan Gan , Arnhemland , Top End , Hunt Australia , Matt Graham , .450 No.2 Nitro Express , WJ Jeffery

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: Ezine]
      #375333 - 20/03/23 05:51 PM

19 years ago. Unbelievable!

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: NitroX]
      #375338 - 21/03/23 03:58 AM

Good thread, john.
We were supposed to get up to see 'Marrakai' in Darwin in 2020 & the rest of you blokes. Unfortunately, we didn't even get to Adelaide- almost, though. Home to BC in 10 days out of a 6 week trip.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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93x64mm
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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: DarylS]
      #375340 - 21/03/23 07:22 AM

Would have been a magnificent trip John!
Some very nice heads taken


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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: 93x64mm]
      #375342 - 21/03/23 07:50 AM

G'Day Fella's,

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Donuts!

Noice! NitroX and thanks for sharing.

D'oh!
Homer

--------------------
"Beware the Lolly Pop of Mediocrity,
Lick it Once and You Will Suck Forever"


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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: DarylS]
      #375350 - 21/03/23 03:45 PM

Quote:

Good thread, john.
We were supposed to get up to see 'Marrakai' in Darwin in 2020 & the rest of you blokes. Unfortunately, we didn't even get to Adelaide- almost, though. Home to BC in 10 days out of a 6 week trip.




A great pity. When I win lotto I will fly you out for a hunt.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: 93x64mm]
      #375351 - 21/03/23 03:53 PM

Quote:

Would have been a magnificent trip John!
Some very nice heads taken




I still remember it in some detail. It was yesterday!

Sad this guy, our fellow NE member, Matt, passed away a few years ago from his lifelong heart issues. And no doubt other stresses at the time. Owner of Hunt Australia buying it from Bob Penfold back then in 2004. I knew Matt over a few years prior.Alsocwe hunted 2x1 on a joint banteng hunt. RIP mate.


--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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Re: "Water Buffalo at Gan Gan" - Day 2 [Re: Homer]
      #375352 - 21/03/23 03:57 PM

Quote:

G'Day Fella's,

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Donuts!

Noice! NitroX and thanks for sharing.

D'oh!
Homer




Thanks.

I had no grey beard back then.


Catching up to Marrakai now though!

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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Re: Water Buff hunt at Gan Gan - Day 5 [Re: Ezine]
      #375353 - 21/03/23 04:09 PM

Quote:



"Water Buffalo Hunt at Gan Gan" - Day 5

We had the task of shooting a calf for the blackfellas, the animals legs to be removed and distributed to the main four families, plus some choice cuts for the camp. Why eat a tough old bull when you can eat veal.

But that was for late afternoon. The sandy ridges should provide a calf fairly easily.

...

As expected the herds had moved into the ridges prior to evening and a calf was quickly spotted. Matt using the .375 made a fine headshot on a buff calf while the rest of the herd fled.



"Veal"!


Removing the legs for blackfella tucka


The hunt wasn't over though. While collecting branches to shade the meat, only a few metres from the butchered calf, a boar trotts past me. I was stunned as it walked a mere 5 metres passed me but Steve was quicker on my report and gave chase to dispatch it and take a photo of a pig as a trophy too.


Pigs at Gan Gan are targets of opportunity, but several were sighted over the week

The night ended with the meat being distributed to the traditional owners. What a great ending to a fine week of hunting. Maybe I would be back in the Top End again next year or perhaps much sooner .......



Copyright 2023 - all rights reserved




I don't think I mentioned. While Steve and Matt were busy butchering the calf. And I was busy cutting fronds and branches to cover the meat with. A Taipan snake slithered along at a good speed from a fair distance away and past Matt and Steve two metres behind and away it went. Never concerned by us. If we were blackfellas it might have been put in the pot! Matt and Steve never knew how close it was behind them until I told them.

I wonder on hunts how often we are acstep or two away from a nasty death.

Btw a very good reason to put a couple of snake bite bandages in every day pack, vehicle, belt pack or a pocket. Plus a wound bandage or two. Sounds, snake bite, used with a splint for breaks etc.



https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipan

Taipans are snakes of the genus Oxyuranus in the elapid family. They are large, fast-moving, highly venomous, and endemic to Australia and New Guinea. Three species are recognised, one of which, the coastal taipan, has two subspecies. Taipans are some of the deadliest known snakes.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


Edited by NitroX (21/03/23 04:15 PM)


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Re: Buff hunt at Gan Gan, Northern Territory [Re: Matt_Graham]
      #375354 - 21/03/23 04:17 PM

Quote:

Nitro

Sorry I am only capable of one activity at a time!

That sleeping bull was pretty wierd. We certainly got to do some good stalking that week.

Cheers
Matt






And a good hunt. Much better than clients only driving around in the Landcruiser and shooting from it. Or acshort stalk.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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